Check out ‘gaga’ at Gurnee parks

Submitted by Jennifer Gilbert, Gurnee Park District

Gaga has arrived at the Gurnee Park District.

Not the performer, but instead a game called “Gaga” played in an octagonal pit with a playground ball. Gaga, purportedly from Israel and dating back to the 1960s with a loose translation to “hit-hit,” is a contained version of dodgeball with several key differences. The ball is never thrown but instead slapped by open hand or hit by closed fist with the purpose of hitting opposing players at or below the waist or below knee level as defined by the game version. The pit has eight three foot walls on a grass surface.

At Gurnee Park District, the first wave of summer campers tried the game recently.

“We are always trying to bring new and exciting recreational opportunities to our community. We have a feeling that this will become a very popular amenity at our parks. I wouldn’t be surprised if some sort of tournament evolves in time,” said Lisa Sheppard, Superintendent of Recreation.

The pits, located at Viking and Hunt Club Community Parks are open to the public and have a set of rules at each pit. Interested players simply supply the ball. A basic Internet browser search will reveal YouTube videos, game rules, international tournaments and more.

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